Liquid dispenser



Feb. 25, @36

E. R. WILLIAMS LIQUID DISPENSER Filed Aug. 6, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Feb., 25, 3936. E, R. wlLLlAMs 2,@3i3

LIQUID DSPENSERv Filed Aug. 6, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 /Og/ ka l Patented Feb. 25, 1936 A'IENT OFFICE 11 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in liquid dispensers.

One object of. the invention is to provide an improved dispensing apparatus of the type in which gas pressure is employed to displace a beverage from a container to a dispensing faucet, and particularly wherein the beverage is cooled after being displaced from the container and before being dispensed.

A particular object of the invention is to trap a portion of the gas between the faucet and the body of liquid contained in a cooler, and also to trap a quantity of the liquid between the faucet and the trapped gas so that when the faucet is opened an admixture of gas and liquid will be discharged from said faucet and not merely a blast of gas or foam as is the usual occurrence with the dispensers in common use.

A further object of the invention is to provide A improved means for separating the liquid and gas in solution within a cooling chamber in such a manner that excessive foaming is eliminated and the separating is expeditiously carried out.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an improved means for remixing the liquid and gas in desired proportions as the same are discharged from the cooling chamber, whereby the desired effervescence or life, as well as delectable ilavors, are given to the dispensed beverage.

An important object of the invention is to provide a dispenser, whereby a glass of beer or other beverage may be dispensed with a goodly margin of foam at the top and this foam or collar maintained for a prolonged period of time.

A further object of the invention is to provide a mixer of an improved type which may be manually operated by the operator to control the proportions of liquid and gas discharged from the cooling chamber.

Still another object of the invention is to provide means for controlling the liquid level in the container and releasing excessive gas accumulations.

An important object of the invention is to provide means whereby liquid may be dispensed from the cooling chamber even after the low level signal has been given, and also whereby the remaining gas may be conserved and admixed with the dispensed liquid.

'Another object of the invention is to provide a relief Valve for releasing air from the cooling chamber, together with a tube connected with the relief valve and depending into the chamber low enough to create a gas dome in the top of said chamber.

A construction designed to carry out the invention will be hereinafter described, together with other features of the invention.

The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which an example of the invention is shown, and wherein:

Figure 1 is an elevation of a cabinet having a dispenser therein built in accordance with the invention,

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of the same,

Figure 3 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the dispenser, removed from the cabinet and taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 4,

Figure 4 is a plan view of. the same,

Figure 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken on the line 5 5 of Figure 3 and reduced,

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional View taken on the line B-I of Figure 4, and

Figure 7 is an isometrica] View of the inlet nozzle.

In the drawings the numeral IIJ designates an upright cylindrical tank or container preferably made of metal and provided with a bottom I I and a cap I2. The bottom and cap are each formed with annular grooves I3 each receiving a packing gasket I4 which is pressed into intimate contact with the cylindrical member of the tank when the parts are tied together. For securing the parts of the tank together an intern-ally screw-threaded boss I5 is provided at the center of the bottom for receiving an axial tie rod I6 which has its lower end screwed into said boss. The upper end of the rod passes through the cap and is surrounded by an elongated collar I'I extending upwardly from the center of the cap. The upper end of the rod is screw-threaded and receives a cap nut I8. By tightening this nut the bottom and top of the tank are securely fastened in position and the gaskets prevent leaking.

On the under side of the cap a depending manifold I9 is cast. This manifold extends diametrically of the cap as is best shown in Figure 5 and has a branch 20 extending from its central portion. A discharge tube 2| somewhat larger than the rod I6 surrounds the same and has a collar 22 on its lower end which terminates short of the bottom II. This tube provides an upwardly extending central passage in the tank. The upr per end of the tube is screwed into a collar 23 depending from the manifold.

An elbow 24 is screwed into the top of the cap I2 at one end of the manifold as is best shown in Figure 3. The upper end of a U-shaped pipe or trap 25 is screwed into the elbow and the other upper end of the trap is connected with a faucet 26. The trap depends nearly to the bottom of the tank. The tank I9 is placed in a refrigerating cabinet 21 and the faucet 26 is connected to the trap through the wall of the cabinet as is shown in Figure 2. The c-abinet is filled with ice and water to the level shown in Figure 2 and this level is maintained by a port 28 in an upright drain tube 29. It will be observed that the upper portion of the tank extends above the water level in the cabinet and therefore the expanded o-r exposed portion of the tank will not be as cool as the portion which is submerged. The major portion of the trap is also submerged in the cooling liquid.

When the beverage or liquid, such as beer, is dispensed from the tank it is forced out at the bottom into the collar 22 and upwardly through the tube 2| into the manifold I9. From the manifold I9 the beer flows through the elbow 24 and then downwardly in the trap 25. After passing the bend at the lower end of the trap rthe liquid passes upwardly in the trap to the faucet 26. It is obvious that Whenever the faucet is closed a quantity of beer or liquid will beheld in the trap, and this will form a liquid seal be-` tween the faucet and the manifold.

Liquid or beverage, such as beer, admixed with gas is conducted into the cabinet through a supply pipe 30. The gas will be in solution with the beverage and the admixture will be delivered by the pipe 39 to an upright inlet pipe 3I extending downwardly through the cap I2. The pipe V3| has a nozzle 32 at its lower end which is shown in detail in Figure 7. The nozzle is so shaped (Figures 5 and 7) as to deliver the influent directly onto the upright wall of the tank. This influent will be carried circumferentially around the wall of the tank and the liquid and gas separated. The separation will be expedited because the influent will be spread in a thin stream. The spreading of the influent on the tank wall and a quick condensation, which will take place, will reduce the tendency of the beverage to foam and at the same time the gas in solution will be more quickly liberated. The beverage, such as beer, will collect in the tank, while the gas will collect in the upper portion of said tank above the beer level. This level will be moreor less constant because, as beer is dispensed, a fresh supply will be delivered from the pipe 39.

In order to establish a liquid level in the tank and to'provide a head of gas therein, a relief pipe 33 extends downwardly from the cap and is connected with an elbow 34 mounted in the cap and receiving a pet cock 35. By opening the pet cock when the liquid level is below the end of the pipe 33, an excessive accumulation of gas will be olischarged, however as soon as the liquid level rises to the lower end of said pipe, liquid will be discharged from the pet cock and the operator is thus informed that suicient gas has been released. By closing the pet cock the liquid level will then be maintained in the tank to a substantial degree. The cap is also provided With a pet cock 36 which may be used to release additional gas incase it is desired to raise the liquid level in the tank. By attaching a hose to either of the pet cocks the tank may be washed out at any time.

A gas conducting pipe 31 depends from the end of the manifold I9 opposite to the end at which the elbow 2 4 is connected. This pipe terminates below the normal liquid level in the tank. A

valve disk 38 is mounted at the upper end of the tube and is provided with a reduced port or seat 39 for receiving the point of a needle valve 49. The valve 49 is mounted in a tting 4I screwed into the cap I2 above the disk. The stem 42 of the valve has a hand wheel 43 fastened on its upper end and by rotating this wheel the needle valve 40 is moved into and out of the seat 39, thereby controlling the passage of fluid through said port.

When the faucet 29 is opened to dispense a beverage, the liquid level in the tank is lowered and this permits the separated gas to enter the pipe 31 and flow through the port 39 into the manifold I9. This gas is admixed with the beer or beverage which is displaced upwardly through the tube 2l into the manifold. The adjustment of the valve 49 controls the amount of gas which is remixed with the beverage. In order that the operator may set thevalve 49 as he desires, a

pointer 44 is fastened on the stem 42 so as to register with numerals on a yoke 45 carried by a bracket 49 as is best shown in Figures 3 and 4. The bracket has a collar 41 telescoping the collar I 'l and acting to compress a packing 48 when the nut I8 is tightened. It is obvious that the operator may set the pointer 44 at the desired indication on the yoke 45 and thus control the ampli@` tude of the flow of gas through the port 39.

It will be seen that the tank contains separated gas and beer, however a quantity of gas will be trapped in the manifold I9. When the lower end of the pipe 31 is exposed, gas will enter the same. The pressure of the gas flowing through the port 39 will be suicient to prevent beer back-flowing through said port from the manifold. As the liquid level moves up and down, gas will be supplied to the manifold through the port 39 and therefore there wil always be a suicient quantity of gas in the manifold to admix with the beer which is displaced from the tube 2I. Also, when the faucet 26 is closed, beer willbe caught in the trap 25 and, consequently when the faucet is again opened, the beer which has been caught in the trap will rst be expelled. This will immediately be followed by the beer which is displaced from the tank into the manifold I9 and'admixed with the gas which has been trapped therein. 'Ihe beer standing in the trap 25 will ll the same, owing to the gas pressure; also beer will fill the tube 2I, the elbow 24 and that portion of the manifold I9 therebetween. Owing to the liquid seal at the bottom of the pipe 31, gas will be trapped therein as well as in that portion of manifold I9 lying between the valve 40 and the tube 2 I. From the foregoing it will be seen that whenthe faucet is opened a supply of properly gasified beer will be delivered instead of theusual blast or charge of foam or gas. ,By this arrangement no gas is wasted and yet the quantity of foam is controlled.

For obtaining a signal to ascertain whether or not the supply of beverage is about to be exhausted, a signal tube 49 depends from the end of the branch manifold 29. The upper end of this tube is controlled by needle valve 50, similar to the valve 40, and mounted in a fitting 5I on the cap I 2. The valve is operated by a hand wheel 52. Upon turning the hand wheel 52 so as to open the valve 59 and then opening the faucet 26 the operator is immediately informed as to his supply of beverage. If the liquid level in the tank has gone below the bottom of the pipe 49, which extends several inches below the normal level of said liquid, gas instead of beer or beverage will be discharged from the faucet 26, after the trap 25 has been cleared, provided beer has been caught in the trap at the previous operation of the faucet. The operator, after obtaining his signal, closes the Valve 50. So long as beer remains in the tank, it 'will be forced out by the gas and gas will continue to enter the pipe 31 and flow into the manifold I9, consequently a satisfactory admixture of gas and beer will still be dispensed.

There are many advantages to a dispenser such as I have `set forth. It will be noted that the tank 'I0 is enclosed in a Icomparatively small and compact refrigerating cabinet 2l. This cabinet may be conveniently located on a counter or other place. Where it is used for dispensing beer, the keg of beer may be located at any convenient point but it will not be inside the cabinet as is the usual practice. The air and gas are supplied to the tank through the pipe 30. The port 28 maintains a level in the cabinet so that the beverage in the tank will be kept cool. The level within the tank and the level within the cabinet are approximately the same. Because the beer or beverage is spread in a thin stream and suddenly brought into Contact with an upright wall, quick separation will take place and this will bring about a reduction of foam. As the tank wall surrounding the gas chamber above the liquid is not immersed (Figure 2) in the cooling liquid, this wall will be heated by the inowing beer, thus permitting the gas in solution to quickly escape from the influent. The liquid will settle in the tank and the gas will accumulate above the liquid level. 'Ihe lower portion of the trap 25 is immersed in the cooling liquid outside of the tank, and therefore beer caught in this trap will be as cool as the beer in the tank. This trapped beer or beverage is one of the important features of the invention because it forms a liquid seal between the faucet and the accumulated gas which has been previously separated from the beverage. When the faucet 26 is opened, the trapped beer will be immediately expelled from the trap and discharged through the faucet. Thus, instead of getting a charge of gas or foam, properly gasied beer or beverage will be discharged from the faucet. Because of the proper admixture of gas and beer, a collar may be provided at the top of the glass and as this collar will not be extensively charged with gas, it will remain for a prolongedperiod of time.

This application is filed as a continuation in part of my co-pending application filed January 29, 1934, Serial Number 708,852.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A liquid beverage dispenser comprising, an upright cooling tank, an influent inlet within the tank and below its top located to discharge an admixture of liquid and gas in solution onto the wall of the tank above the liquid level therein, a liquid conductor for conveying liquid from the bottom of the tank, a liquid dispensing conductor connected with the conveying conductor, a gas conductor for conducting gas from the upper end of the tank and connected with the liquid conductors for mixing the gas with the liquid, the gas conductor having a reduced gas inlet port, a valve for controlling the supply of gas to the flowing liquid, and a pressure signal having an inlet in the tank below the normal liquid level therein.

2. A liquid beverage dispenser comprising, a cooling tank having an influent inlet for introducing a liquid beverage and gas in solution, a liquid conductor leading from the tank, a trap connected with the conductor, a dispensing pipe having a faucet connected With the trap, and a gas `conductor extending from the upper portion of the tank and connected With the liquid conductor in advance of the trap.

3. A liquid beverage dispenser comprising, a cooling tank having an influent inlet for introducing a liquid beverage and gas in solution, a liquid conductor leading from the tank, a trap connected with the conductor, a dispensing pipe having a faucet connected with the trap, a gas conductor extending from the upper portion of the tank and connected with the liquid conductor in advance of the trap, and a cooling cabinet enclosing the tank and trap.

4. A liquid beverage dispenser comprising, a cooling tank having an influent inlet for introducing a liquid beverage and gas in solution, a liquid conductor leading from the tank, a trap connected with the conductor, a dispensing pipe having a faucet connected with the trap, a gas conductor extending from the upper portion of the tank and connected with the liquid conductor in advance of the trap, a cooling cabinet enclosing the tank and trap, and means for maintaining a cooling liquid level in the cabinet, whereby the tank and trap are constantly immersed in cooling liquid.

5. A liquid beverage dispenser comprising, a cooling tank having an influent inlet for introducing a liquid beverage and gas in solution, a liquid conductor leading from the tank, a trap connected with the conductor, a dispensing pipe having a faucet connected with the trap, a gas conductor extending from the upper portion of the tank and connected with the liquid conductor in advance of the trap, and means for controlling the quantity of gas conducted Afrom the tank by the gas conductor.

6. A liquid beverage dispenser comprising, a cooling tank having an inlet for a beverage liquid and gas in solution, a manifold at the upper end of the tank, means for admitting gas from the tank into said manifold, means for conducting liquid from the lower portion of said tank to the manifold, a dispensing conductor connected with said manifold, and a trap connected in the dispensing conductor.

'7. A liquid beverage dispenser comprising, a tank provided with an influent inlet and having a normal liquid level therein, a liquid conductor extending from the bottom of the tank, a gas conductor extending from below the normal liquid level of the tank and connected with the liquid conductor for remixing gas with the conducted liquid, means for conducting the liquid which has been remixed with gas from the tank, a faucet connected with the conducting means, and means for maintaining a liquid seal in said conducting means.

8. A liquid beverage dispenser comprising, a tank provided with an influent inlet and having a normal liquid level therein, a liquid conductor extending from the bottom of the tank, a gas conductor extending from below the normal liquid level of the tank and connected with the liquid conductor for remixing gas with the conducted liquid, means for conducting the liquid which has been remixed with gas from the tank, a signal tube extending a substantial distance below the liquid level in the tank, and a valve for closing the tube, said tube being connected with the conducting means.

9. A liquid beverage dispenser comprising, an

upright tank, a cap at the top of the tank, a manifold carried Iby the cap, a gas inlet connected With the manifold, a liquid conducting tube extending from the bottom of the tank to the manifold, an influent conductor extending into the tank, and a dispensing conductor leading from the manifold.

10. A liquid beverage dispenser comprising, an upright tank, a cap at the top of the tank, a manifold carried by the cap, a gas inlet connected with the manifold, a valve controlling the passage of gas through the inlet, a liquid conducting tube extending from the bottom of the tank to the manifold, an influent conductor extending into the tank, and a dispensing conductor leading from the manifold.

11. A liquid beverage dispenser comprising, an upright tank, a Cap at the top of the tank, a manifold carried by the cap, a gas inlet connected With the manifold, a valve controlling the passage of gas through the inlet, a liquid conducting tube extending from the bottom of the tank to the manifold, an influent conductor extending into the tank, a dispensing conductor leading from the manifold, and a trap connected in the dispensing conductor for forming a liquid seal therein.

ELMER R. WILLIAMS. 

